Joint Pain Treatment Options

Joint problems usually develop from a loss of cartilage. Cartilage is the white tissue at the end of your bones that enables joints to move without friction. This tissue reaches its peak growth between the ages of 18 and 20, and it does not regenerate. As we age, our cartilage gradually diminishes. Bones begin to rub against each other, causing stiffness and pain.

This pain can be relieved in many ways. Exercise, weight loss, lifestyle changes and physical therapy can relieve some pain caused by a loss of cartilage. Injections of medications or steroids can ease the pain. When the damage is more advanced, the joint may be replaced surgically.

Determining the right treatment for you

If you are just starting to explore treatment for joint pain, we recommend you talk with your primary care physician. Our highly trained team of surgeons, nurses, physician assistants, rehabilitation specialists and medical support staff is here to work with you and your primary care physician to develop a specific treatment plan.

If surgery is the answer

When persistent pain cannot be cured by other means, a surgical procedure may be the best alternative. A common surgical procedure is the replacement of a damaged joint with a carefully engineered artificial joint.

The latest surgical techniques

At Providence, we use modern techniques that often use smaller incisions, require less surgery time and cause less trauma to surrounding muscles and tissues. Patients often experience less pain, shorter recovery times and faster rehabilitation.

Our integrated approach to joint surgery results in outstanding clinical and patient satisfaction results. After your evaluation, our team will work with you to create an individualized care plan designed to meet your goals and return you to the activities you enjoy as quickly and safely as possible.

Physical and occupational therapy plays a vital role

Physical and occupational therapy is an important part of many treatment plans, for both patients undergoing surgery and those that opt for conservative approaches. Providence therapists evaluate and treat people of all ages. They will work with you to develop a treatment plan designed to meet your specific needs. We have many locations to serve you: Providence Rehabilitation Services locations.

Providence Health & Services in Oregon is a not-for-profit Catholic network of hospitals, care centers, health plans, physicians, clinics, home health care and affiliated services guided by a Mission of caring that the Sisters of Providence began in the West nearly 160 years ago.